Prayagraj: This Diwali, traditional sweet makers expect brisk business

PRAYAGRAJ: Rising demand of traditional Diwali sweets like gatta (sweet cubes), batasha (sugar candy sweet) and khilone (sugar toys) after a gap of two years have bought smiles back on faces of traders ahead of the festival of lights.
Makers claimed that the demand had seen a dip of up to 50% in Prayagraj and adjoining markets in past two years due to the pandemic.
Traders at Mutthiganj said demand of such sweets have gone up in the region despite rising prices of sugar, coal and other raw materials. Moreover, more labourers from neighbouring districts are also being engaged for quick production.
They claim the rising demand along with bulk orders would help them to overcome financial losses they had faced for the past two years due to corona pandemic.
A trader in old city Saurabh said: “There has been increasing demand for traditional Diwali sweets and we hope to do brisk business this year. Traders had faced worrisome time for the past two years due to the pandemic but are now hopeful to better situation.”
The traditional sweets-- khilone, batasha and gatta-- have been an integral part of Diwali festival. These are offered to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
Owner of another traditional Diwali sweets making unit, told TOI “After facing hard times along with rising prices of sugar and coal in the past, we are hopeful for good days this festive season. Though the prices of raw materials have gone up, makers get less margin. But if the number of buyers go up this festive season, we would certainly make profit.” He added: “Now, we are engaging six to eight furnaces to meet the demand of khilone, gatta and batasha.” Ravi, who runs his sweet production unit at Batashamandi area of the city, said: “I hope this year I would be able to earn better.”